From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly will take on members of the State Executive Council in a novelty football match as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

The friendly encounter will bring together serving and former members of the State Assembly and the State Executive Council who have served the state between 1996 and 2026.

The much-anticipated match is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The novelty match is expected to promote camaraderie, unity and stronger relationships between the legislative and executive arms of government, while providing an opportunity for former and serving public officials to reconnect through sports.

The two arms of government have, in the past, engaged in similar sporting contests as part of efforts to strengthen cordial relations, promote teamwork and foster a shared commitment to good governance.

The day’s activities will commence at 2:00 p.m. with an Ogele Procession from the Bayelsa State Government House to the Samson Siasia Stadium, where the anniversary sporting activities will take place.

At the stadium, sports legends from different generations are expected to participate in a lap around the pitch, followed by a symbolic torch-passing ceremony representing the connection between generations and the continuity of sporting excellence in the state.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa State and neighbouring Delta State will renew their sporting rivalry in a special wrestling contest, with elite wrestlers from both states expected to go head-to-head as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The Bayelsa State Government, through the Sports Sub-committee, has called on residents, sports enthusiasts and members of the public to turn out in large numbers at the Samson Siasia Stadium to celebrate the state’s 30th anniversary through sports, unity and friendship.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, patriotism, courage and resilience in their collective efforts to build a nation that reflects the aspirations of its citizens.

Oborevwori made the call on Sunday at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba.

The Governor, who paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s independence, urged citizens to demonstrate their love for Nigeria by continually praying for the peace, unity and prosperity of the nation.

He said the Church had a crucial role to play in the nation’s progress through sustained prayers and intercession.

“Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint,” he said.

Oborevwori also called on public servants, politicians and other leaders to place the interests of the people above personal considerations, stressing that every public position was held in trust.

“At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service.

“Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family,” the Governor said.

He further reminded public officials that they would ultimately give account of their stewardship to God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, accountability and commitment to the common good.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Oborevwori said the occasion provided an opportunity to appreciate God for the country’s journey and achievements, particularly its progress in democratic governance.

He noted that Nigeria had, despite challenges along the way, recorded 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

“On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting,” he said.

The Governor also called on the Church to continue supporting efforts to sustain peace and stability in Nigeria, citing the biblical injunction in Jeremiah 29:7, which urges believers to seek the peace of the city and pray for it.

According to him, the peace and security enjoyed by citizens were dependent on the peace of the nation.

He attributed the relative peace being experienced in Delta State to the contributions of traditional rulers, Presidents-General, community leaders and other stakeholders, as well as the wisdom granted by God.

The Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country, stressing that nation-building required faith, patriotism and collective responsibility.

Johns expressed optimism that Nigeria was experiencing an awakening that would enable the country to unlock its vast potential and reclaim its rightful place among nations.

He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the nation and positive impact on communities as some of the responsibilities expected of citizens, noting that no nation attained greatness by accident.

The pastor also used the occasion to pray for wisdom and divine guidance for leaders at all levels, with Governor Oborevwori as a point of contact, urging them to responsibly manage the nation’s resources and serve the common good.

The thanksgiving service was attended by the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and other lawmakers; Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, Elder Moses Iduh; top government officials and traditional rulers, among others.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Federal Government has approved the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and reduce the concentration of cargo traffic in Lagos.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday.

According to Oyetola, the approval builds on the earlier authorisation for the modernisation and upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, describing the move as part of efforts to develop a balanced, efficient and globally competitive national port system.

He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on infrastructure renewal and economic diversification.

“Modern and efficient ports are critical to this vision because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs,” the minister said.

Oyetola explained that extending the modernisation programme beyond Lagos would complement ongoing investments in the state while easing the concentration of cargo traffic around the country’s commercial hub and creating additional gateways for international trade.

He said the upgrades are expected to improve cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen regional connectivity.

“Upgraded infrastructure and improved operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports will enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, strengthen regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective,” he said.

The minister noted that the four ports play strategic roles in Nigeria’s trade, industrial and regional development, stressing that the government was committed to equipping them to meet the demands of a growing economy.

He added that the approval forms part of a broader expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, including plans for the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny deep seaports.

“Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. Together, these investments will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, create stronger economic corridors and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa,” Oyetola said.

He said the ministry would work with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the projects deliver tangible improvements to the marine and blue economy.

According to the minister, the government’s broader vision is to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, railways, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.

Oyetola said the government was also seeking to reduce the time and resources businesses spend moving goods while creating an environment that supports investment and job creation.

The latest approval follows an announcement on April 3, 2026, that the Federal Government had commenced procurement processes for the modernisation of the Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports, alongside the previously approved upgrades of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure nationwide.